I finally made something fluffy!

I just needed something new as we went into the holidays last year. I wanted it to be different and satisfying and simple so I could concentrate on all the family things about to happen, so no cables this time. And as I searched my stash, I realized that this gorgeous yarn would finally get on the needles.

I loved the idea of an airy, light vest with just a touch of detail, and this silk and mohair yarn knit up on large needles in absolutely no time. I’ve always been a fan of contrasting bands at collar and armhole, but don’t ever use it - so I did. The little bit of stitchwork around the hem was fun to work, plus it served as an excuse for a third color! I really love the deep rich blue against the khaki - the combination reads as neutral, but it’s got a bit more sophistication than you expect - and it matches almost everything in my wardrobe!

My vest is short and boxy, but this is a very simple design to modify for just about any fit you’d like. Notes are included in the pattern for altering length or width of the body, as well as for tweaking the neckline or adjusting your armhole depth.

Pousse Cafe is knit from the bottom up in the round, split at armholes and then worked flat to shoulders in two pieces. Once shoulders are seamed, collar and armhole stitches are picked up and worked in the round to end. It’s a great beginner knit, an easy stashbuster, or a wonderful palate cleanser between more detailed projects.

Yardage by Size

Sizes
36(39,42,45,48)(51,54,57,60)(63,66,69)”
91.5(99,106.75,114.25,122)(129.5,137.25,144.75,152.5)
(160,167.5,175.25)cm.

Sizing is based on circumference around sweater body in final blocked fabric. Sweater is shown worn with 4”/10cm of positive ease, based on actual bust.

Yardage
Background Color
350(400,450,500,550)(600,650,700,750)(800,850,900) yds
320(365,415,460,505)(550,595,640,685)(735,780,825)m

Hem, Collar and Armhole Color
100(100,150,150,150)(150,175,175,175)(200,200,200)yds
95(95,140,140,140)(140,160,160,160)(185,185,185)m

Detail Color
25(25,25,25,25)(25,50,50,50)(75,75,75)yds
25(25,25,25,25)(25,45,45,45)(70,70,70)m

Colors shown, in Le Gros Silk and Mohair:

Color A - Dark Khaki, used on all ribbings
Color B - Dark Gold, detail color used above hem
Color C - Dark Blue Turquoise, background color

I love my Pousse Cafe in this fabric for both the halo, and for the incredibly light and airy fabric created when working this light yarn on larger needles to get this gauge.

You can get a similar fabric by working a strand of mohair doubled together with a sport or DK weight yarn in a soft wool or wool blend and finding the right needle size for a similar fabric and gauge. If doing so, make sure you use a final, blocked swatch to choose your needle and gauge.

For a more traditional feel, you could substitute a classic wool that knits to gauge for a more substantial fabric. Either a heavy worsted weight or an aran weight yarn should work,but swatch to be sure and base your decision on final, blocked fabric.

Either way, Pousse Cafe is a great way to use up some leftovers!